Bosnia and Herzegovina became a member of IFC in 1996. As of December 2007, IFC has committed more than $243 million of its own funds and has arranged over $10 million in syndications. IFC's investment in Bosnia has primarily been in the food and beverage, chemicals, manufacturing and financial sectors. One of our projects includes the modernization and expansion of Fabrika Cementa Lukavac, a privatized cement facility — one of the largest and most visible foreign direct investments to date in the country.
IFC has continued to focus on building and strengthening financial intermediaries. Work in this arena includes assisting with privatizations, establishing banks, and working with strong local financial institutions to enhance their stability. IFC continued to play a catalytic role in restructuring and facilitating the privatization of the largest banking group in the country. IFC also supported small and medium enterprises (SME) and other critical industries, including the financial, infrastructure, wood, and agribusiness sectors.
IFC will continue to have a multidimensional strategy in Bosnia-Herzegovina that encompasses all sectors of the economy, particularly SMEs. Traditional competitive industries will continue to be an important part of the program, as well as targeted projects in financial markets and infrastructure that have especially high developmental impact. More on investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Advisory Services
In July 2005, IFC opened the new facility to provide advisory services in Southern Europe. Advisory program in Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided in four business lines: valued addition to firms; business enabling environment; access to finance; and infrastructure advisory operations. More on advisory projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina…
